Deep Space Missions Could Dull Your Wits

Long-term deep space missions, like a manned visit to Mars, may cause long-lasting brain damage. Researchers found that 40% to 45% of rats exposed to high-energy particles like those in deep space demonstrated slower reaction times and lapses in attention. The impairments sometimes faded but never entirely went away, The Atlantic reports. The researchers, who report their findings in the April issue of Radiation Research, call for ways to identify susceptible astronauts so they can protect themselves.